diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index f81b10e..36a1dc9 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ Copy the `.env.example` file to `.env` and perform the following one-time steps
 
 Update the ACCOUNT_SID and AUTH_TOKEN `.env` entries with the Account SID and Auth Token found on the [Twilio Console home page](https://twilio.com/console).
 
+**NOTE**: the use of Twilio Conversations is optional. If you wish to opt out, set the `DISABLE_CHAT` environment variable to `true`.
+
 #### Install Dependencies
 
 Once you have setup all your environment variables, run `npm install` to install all dependencies from NPM.